genomic-enhanced EPD
A practical guide for the use of GE-‐EPDs
By Megan Rolf, Assistant professor and state extension specialist,
Oklahoma State University
As a Brangus breeder, you have a new opportunity available.
Genomic-‐enhanced EPDs (GE-‐EPDs) were launched earlier
this year allowing you the opportunity to enhance your
selection decisions. But what are GE-‐EPDs, and perhaps
more importantly, what can they do for the average producer?
The following is meant as a primer covering some of the most
common questions regarding the option to use genomic testing
in selection decisions.
What is a GE-‐EPD?
A genomic-‐enhanced EPD is simply an EPD that has been
augmented with information from a genomic test. In EPD
prediction, pedigree data traditionally defines the relationships
between animals. For example, full sibs share on average about
half of their genes, half siblings share approximately a quarter,
and so on. While we utilize the averages to form the basis of
these relationships, in reality, each animal receives a different
sampling of genes from their parents, so they may in actuality
share greater or fewer genes than the average would suggest. For
the Brangus breed, genomic information is utilized along with
the pedigree to help better define those relationships between
animals in what is called a “single-‐ step method,” and the
pedigree, performance data, and genomic data all contribute to
the EPD prediction. The result is presented as an EPD, just like
normal, but is more accurate than a traditional EPD on young,
unproven animals.
How do I use a GE-‐EPD?
The greatest benefit of GE-‐EPDs is that they can be utilized
in the same way an EPD is used, so they don’t require any
additional knowledge to use effectively. Add to that the
increased accuracy on younger animals, before they have their
own records or progeny information recorded at the association,
and you have a win-‐win combination.
When should I consider genomic testing
for an animal?
The decision of whether to utilize genomic testing for an animal
is dependent on a variety of factors and is largely dependent
on the producer. Generally, animals that are low in accuracy
benefit the most from genomic testing, because they will exhibit
the greatest increases in accuracy, and thus, the greatest return
on investment. Animals that have large numbers of progeny
recorded, such as highly proven AI sires, will not see the
accuracy benefits from genomic testing because they should
already have highly accurate EPD estimates.
How do I get a GE-‐EPD on an animal?
To obtain GE-‐EPDs, you first need to collect and submit
a DNA sample for the animal you want tested, along with
the relevant IBBA paperwork. The testing company will run
the DNA on a genomic panel. Currently, the IBBA utilizes
information from the 30K (GGP-‐LD) and the 150K panel
(updated GGP-‐HD). Additionally, these tests include parent
verification at no extra charge. Alternatively, breeders can utilize
other genomics providers, but the results will not be the same as
those provided by the tests outlined above. Once the test results
